Region 5 Meeting Announcement
The Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Region 5 will be holding their Region 5 Meeting on July 1, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Ag Headquarters located at 1498 SR 209, Clovis, NM 88101.
Participating districts include:
• Border SWCD
• Canadian River SWCD
• Central Curry SWCD
• De Baca SWCD
• Guadalupe SWCD
• Roosevelt SWCD
• Southwest Quay SWCD
Now Hiring!
The Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District is seeking an Education Coordinator to help support and grow environmental education and outreach programs throughout the greater Albuquerque area.
This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about conservation, environmental education, urban ecology, and connecting communities with local natural resources through hands-on learning experiences.
Applications received by May 15, 2026 will receive priority review. Position open until filled.
For the full job description and to apply, visit:
Ciudad SWCD Education Coordinator Position
Please help share this opportunity!
Upcoming Water Conference in Hereford, TX!
Southwest Quay wants to help spread the word about an awesome upcoming event!
Ogallala Commons is hosting a Conference on Community Water on February 24–25 in Hereford, Texas
What to expect:
Day 1: Optional field tours covering:
Grassland management
Municipal water infrastructure
Watershed restoration
Day 2: Presentations from:
City officials
Producers & landowners
Engineers
Playa conservation experts
If you care about water conservation, land stewardship, and the future of our communities, this is a great opportunity to learn and connect!
Check out the link for details and registration: https://ogallalacommons.org/conference/
Let’s work together to protect our water resources for future generations!
Join Our Team!
NRCS is looking for a Natural Resources Specialist who is passionate about conservation, agriculture, and serving our local community. This position plays an important role in supporting conservation programs and working closely with local producers and landowners.
This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, assist with natural resource planning, and help protect and improve our soil, water, and land for future generations.
Call to Order
Prayer & Pledge Approval of Agenda
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
NRCS – Relissa Nials
NMDA – Miles Mitchell
PLAYA LAKE – Ryan
Lenz
NMACD/NACD – Kandy Hutchins
Old Business
Sentinel Landscape
Grant Update
Producer Projects
Coloring Books
Capital Outlay
Annual Meeting/Legislative Event
Solar Farm & Water Concern / Resolution
RanchBot Monitoring Solutions
New Business
Kim Kostelnik
EPCOG
Mid-Year Point System Review
Reorganize District Board
Oath of Office for Newly Elect
New 4-H & FFA Protocol
Financial Report
Last Month Transactions
Bills to be approved and paid
Quarterly report and resolution
Public Comment (2-minute time limit):
News and Celebrations
Reports & correspondence
Next Meeting Date – February 2nd, 2026
Meeting Adjourn
Call to Order
Prayer & Pledge
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
NRCS – Relissa Nials
NMDA – Miles Mitchell
PLAYA LAKE – Ryan Lenz
NMACD/NACD – Kandy Hutchins
Old Business
Sentinel Landscape
Grant Update Producer Projects
Coloring Books
Farmer to Farmer Grant
Advertising Material
Capital Outlay
Jennifer Hopper
Annual
Meeting/Legislative Event.
New Business
Solar Farm & Water Concern
Land use Plan
Tucker Virtual Fencing Workshop
RanchBot Monitoring Solutions
iPad for Technical Assistant
Financial Report
Last Month Transactions
Bills to be approved and paid
Public Comment (2-minute time limit):
News and Celebrations
Reports & correspondence
Next Meeting Date – January 5th, 2026
Meeting Adjourn
The Southwest Quay Soil & Water Conservation District (SWQSWCD) has officially adopted its 2026 Open Meetings Act Resolution in accordance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act (NMSA 1978, Section 10-15-1).
This resolution outlines the District’s commitment to transparency and public participation by establishing the schedule, location, and notice procedures for all regular and special meetings in 2026.
The Southwest Quay SWCD Regular Meeting on November 3rd, 2025, will begin with the call to order, prayer, and pledge, followed by the approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes. Partner reports will be presented by Relissa Nials with NRCS, Miles Mitchell with NMDA, Ryan Lenz with Playa Lake, and Kandy Hutchins with NMACD/NACD. Under old business, the board will discuss updates on the Sentinel Landscape project, grant activities including the HSG quarterly report, producer projects, Envirothon, and coloring books, as well as advertising materials, capital outlay, and an RCPP update from Christopher Rustay. New business will include a presentation from Jennifer Hopper, a review of the Open Meeting Act, planning for the Annual Meeting and Legislative Event, and a review of the mileage and per diem policy. The financial report will cover last month’s transactions and approval of current bills. Time will also be allotted for public comment, news, celebrations, and correspondence. The next meeting is scheduled for December 1st, 2025, after which the meeting will adjourn.
The Southwest Quay Soil and Water Conservation District will hold its regular meeting on October 6, 2025. The meeting will begin with the call to order, prayer, and pledge, followed by approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting. Agency and partner updates will be given by NRCS (Relissa Nials), NMDA (Miles Mitchell), Playa Lake (Ryan Lenz), and NMACD/NACD (Kandy Hutchins). Old business will include updates on the Sentinel Landscape project, grants (with quarterly reports, producer projects, Envirothon, and Legacy), advertising materials, capital outlay, and the upcoming NMACD Annual Conference. Under new business, Christopher Rustay will present on RCPP. The financial report will review last month’s transactions, bills to be paid, and the quarterly report and resolution. The agenda also includes time for public comment, news and celebrations, and reports and correspondence. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2025, after which the meeting will adjourn.
The Southwest Quay Soil & Water Conservation District held its regular meeting on October 6th, 2025, with Chair Kole Tatum calling the meeting to order both in person and via Teams. Supervisors present included Kole Tatum, Kandy Hutchins, Bobby Lee, Clyde Moon, Preston Downey, and Lisa Runyan. Others in attendance were Lynnae Abarca, LaKenley Young, Miles Mitchell, Ryan Lenz, and Marco Lueras. The agenda and previous meeting minutes were both approved unanimously. Partner reports were presented by Relissa Nials (NRCS), Miles Mitchell (NMDA), and Ryan Lenz (Playa Lake). The board approved Jerry Sours’ signed contract, and Kandy provided updates from the state NMACD.
Under old business, Marco led discussion on the Sentinel Landscape project, while Lynnae presented quarterly grant reports, updates on producer projects, and progress on the Legacy coloring book grant. It was noted that the district did not receive the Outdoor Equity Grant for the Envirothon. The board approved allowing Lynnae to purchase advertising materials as needed within the budget, and Lydick Engineering was approved to complete the land surveying for the Capital Outlay project. It was also decided that Jovani would represent the board at the state NMACD event.
In new business, the board discussed pursuing an RCPP collaboration with neighboring districts, which was tabled for later consideration. Technical Assistant wages were reviewed, and the board approved a $20 per hour rate for LaKenley. Lynnae presented the financial report, and the board approved payment of bills—with adjustments to Sacred Heart and exclusion of McAlister Substation—along with budget adjustments, the quarterly report, and related resolutions. The board also approved registration for those wishing to attend the NM Infrastructure Finance Conference.
The next meeting was scheduled for November 3rd, 2025, and the meeting was adjourned. Additional updates included Lynnae and Jovani attending the Eastern New Mexico Sentinel Landscape partners meeting on September 23rd, Kole completing continuing education for drilling, Bobby attending a Horse Breeders Board Meeting in Albuquerque on October 2nd, and Lynnae participating in the Small Local Public Body Forum via Teams on September 10th.
2025-09-17
Producer Opportunity Application Producer Enrollment Form
The SW Quay Soil & Water Conservation District is now accepting Producer Applications for the 2025–2026 season! Local producers can apply for help with projects like brush management, fencing, range improvements, water infrastructure, and more. You can choose your own contractor, and if you have a practice in mind that’s not listed, bring it to the board for discussion!
The Southwest Quay Soil and Water Conservation District will hold its regular meeting on September 8, 2025. The meeting will begin with the call to order, prayer, and pledge, followed by approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting. Agency and partner updates will be provided by NRCS (Relissa Nials), NMDA (Miles Mitchell), Playa Lake (Ryan Lenz), and NMACD/NACD (Kandy Hutchins). Old business items include discussion on House FFA, the Sentinel Landscape project, a grant update, advertising material, and capital outlay. New business will cover the technical assistant position, an NMACD speaker, and service to tablets. The board will then review the financial report, last month’s transactions, and approve bills to be paid. Time will be given for public comment, followed by news and celebrations, reports and correspondence. The next meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2025, after which the meeting will adjourn.
Meeting Summary – August 4th, 2025
The Southwest Quay Soil and Water Conservation District will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, August 4th, 2025.
The meeting will begin with the call to order, followed by the prayer and pledge. The board will review and approve the current agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting.
Partner updates will be provided by Relissa Nials (NRCS), Miles Mitchell (NMDA), Ryan Lenz (Playa Lake Project), and Kandy Hutchins (NMACD/NACD).
Under Old Business, the board will revisit topics including support for House FFA, progress on the Sentinel Landscape project, ongoing grant updates, and preparations for NMACD award submissions.
New Business will include discussion of a Capacity Building Grant, creation of advertising materials, planning for capital outlay, and review of the Annual Report of Activities.
The Financial Report will cover last month’s transactions, approval of bills, and presentation of the Fourth Quarter Report and Resolution.
Time will be provided for public comment (limited to two minutes per speaker), followed by news and celebrations and any additional reports or correspondence.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 1st, 2025.
Our next regular board meeting is set for Tuesday, July 15th, 2025, and we’ve got a full agenda that highlights the work being done across our district and the partnerships that make it all possible.
We`ll begin with updates from our key agency partners, including NRCS, NMDA, PLAYA Lake, and NMACD/NACD, each sharing insights on current programs and conservation efforts. These collaborations are vital to supporting our local producers and landowners.
Under Old Business, we’ll be reviewing the House FFA and 4-H Awards, discussing the ongoing Sentinel Landscape initiatives, and providing updates on grants and producer-led projects that are shaping conservation efforts across the region. We’ll also take a look at the FY26 budget planning process.
In New Business, the board will be introducing and discussing the FY25 Point System and NMACD Awards, both important for recognizing and supporting district goals and partner involvement.
Our Financial Report will include a review of last month’s transactions, approval of bills, and resolution of the 4th quarter report. As always, there will be time set aside for public comment, news, and community celebrations.
The Southwest Quay Soil & Water Conservation District will hold its regular monthly board meeting on:
Date: Monday, June 2, 2025
Time: [Insert Meeting Time]
Location: [Insert Meeting Location or `SW Quay SWCD Office` if applicable]
Meeting Agenda Highlights:
Updates on Playa Lake Restoration and Sentinel Landscape projects
Progress reports on Legacy Grant and Roosevelt RAIN projects
Review and approval of the preliminary budget
FFA Sponsorship – House Chapter
Website and Capital Outlay/ICIP updates
Partner reports from NRCS, NMDA, and NMACD
Public Comment:
Community members are welcome to attend and provide input during the public comment portion of the meeting (limited to 2 minutes per speaker).
News & Celebrations:
We’ll also share recent successes in conservation efforts and recognize collaborative achievements.
Next Meeting: Scheduled for July 7, 2025
The Southwest Quay Soil and Water Conservation District invites members of the public, local partners, and community stakeholders to attend our upcoming regular board meeting scheduled for Monday, May 5th, 2025.
This meeting will address both ongoing conservation efforts and upcoming initiatives aimed at supporting the natural resources, agricultural resilience, and community well-being of Quay County. The agenda includes updates on the Playa Lake Restoration Project, Sentinel Landscape, Prescribed Burning, and other Producer Projects. We will also review the preliminary budget, the annual work plan, and consider support for local programs such as the Quay County 4-H Rodeo and FFA student activities.
Special presentations and reports will be provided by representatives from NRCS, NMDA, and NMACD/NACO, including an update on the Roosevelt RAIN Project.
There will be time allotted for public comment (limited to 2 minutes per speaker), and all community members are encouraged to attend, share feedback, and stay informed about conservation activities within the district.
Join us for the Annual Meeting & Legislative Event on March 27th at 6 PM at the Melrose Schools Commons Area (100 E. Missouri Ave, Melrose, NM). This event, supported by the Soil & Water Conservation Districts, is a great opportunity to connect with your local conservation community.
Enjoy a delicious enchilada dinner provided by El Rancho while learning about important legislative updates, district initiatives, and cost-share opportunities. Plus, don’t miss out on our door prizes!
We encourage everyone to attend and stay informed on the latest efforts in conservation and resource management. If you have any questions, please reach out to your district:
